Local protestors to join Dáil demo over septic tank charges
By JACQUELINE HOGGE
PROTESTERS from Tuam and the surrounding area are due to join a demonstration at government buildings in Dublin on Wednesday (today) to lobby for changes to proposed legislation governing the regulation of septic tanks.
An estimated 300 people attended a public meeting in the town on Friday where they vented their opposition to a €50 registration fee contained in legislation that is due to be passed by the government next week.
40,000 septic tanks
There are approximately 40,000 septic tanks in the county and if the legislation is implemented to include a registration fee, it would yield €2 million in revenue for Galway County Council.
Organised by Independent Cllr Sean Canney, the open meeting was addressed by Independent MEP Marian Harkin who outlined the European Commission’s requirements regarding septic tank regulation.
The EC has said that geological and soil conditions in many parts of Ireland, particularly the West, may make it difficult for septic tanks to function without causing pollution.
It warned that poorly managed or controlled septic tanks may cause significant harm to the environment and human health.
Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan has claimed the country will be fined on a daily basis if the legislation is not passed by February 3.
However Marian Harkin said Mr Hogan’s comments were misleading.
“There is absolutely no reason why this legislation has to be rushed and no question of fines being imposed on February 3 if the legislation is not passed by that date,” she said.
“I have established from the European Commission that no such fines will be imposed on that date. The Irish Government must submit a progress report by February 3 but this is just part of a process.
“The next step is a hearing, where the government will give details of its legislation and regulations regarding septic tanks. If the Commission is satisfied then the court case ends or, if not, the court would then decide on the issue of fines. The commission has proposed a fine of €26,000 per day but the court could agree to that, increase it, decrease it, or not fine Ireland at all.”
Cllr Canney said he believed the legislation was being rushed through due to its controversial nature and said the Galway East constituency was at a disadvantage in fighting the proposals as all four of its TDs worked for the government.
“East Galway does not have any representation in opposition as all four TD’s are working for the Government, given Deputy Kitt’s role as Leas Comhairle,” he said.
No TD to oppose
“This means that we have no TD from this constituency to oppose this legislation on our behalf and as a consequence the job of opposition rests with county councillors.
“It is time our elected representatives at government level were reminded of the pledges they made to rural Ireland prior to the general election and to that effect we will be joining the Connemara protesters in Dublin on Wednesday (today) to make our voices heard.”
Last month, the Belclare councillor failed to gain support for a motion at council level last month where he called on Galway County Council to reject the imposition of any registration fee and that any remediation measures required upon inspection be financed by grants from central government.
“People accept that it is hugely important to protect waterways and other sources of water from septic tanks but our issue is the charges that are being imposed through this legislation,” he said.
“This bill doesn’t state what cost will be involved for the renewal of registrations, which will cost each household with a septic tank an initial €50.
“Where work is needed to be carried out to bring septic tanks up to standard, the funding should be available through the Waste Water Management Plan.
“The proposed Bill does not take account of the cost to individuals. The EU Directive and subsequent European Court ruling does not state that individuals should pay the cost of the improvement works, so we’re calling on everyone affected by this issue to lobby the TDs in our constituency, all of whom are very silent on the issue.”
Fianna Fail Cllr Michael Connolly said the government was in danger of introducing legislation without knowing “the devil in the detail”.
“The cost of replacing septic tanks has the capacity to cause massive financial hardship if details contained in the Water Services Amendment Bill 2011 becomes law,” he said.
“The specification as contained in the Bill and regulatory impact analysis are much more stringent than the current EPA standards for water treatment plants. “If specifications contained in the information given to all local authorities are carried through and insisted on by the EPA inspectors then, a new or replacement system could cost up to €17,000. This situation could then spell disaster for families with limited means when they are faced with this added financial burden.”
None of the constituency’s four TDs attended the meeting, which led Cllr Canney to claim the north Galway area was particularly vulnerable on the issue.
“All new proposed waste-water treatment systems in towns are paid for by central Government. Urban dwellers do not have to pay any registration fees or pay specifically for remedial work to waste-water treatment systems,” added Cllr Canney.
“We appreciate the legislation is necessary but we remain hopeful that something can to be done to offset the costs as it is an unfair burden on already stretched homeowners.
“It is highly likely the legislation will be passed given its controversial nature and the fact the EC fines could kick in from next week if it is not, but we’re hoping for some move on costs and would call on Environment Minister Phil Hogan to reveal his intentions on the matter.”